For those of you who are considering getting yourself a cute small dog but are still a little unsure of which breed to go for, or even if you just want to learn a little bit more about what small breeds of dog are out there, then you’ve come to the perfect starting place.
In this article, we’re going to run through over 15 of the best small dog breeds out there that make for excellent pets for you and your family. With cute pics throughout, this article is quite the treat.
1. Chihuahua
The chihuahua is one of the most popular dogs in the world. They have been around since the early 1900s and are extremely popular with people all across the globe. They’re incredibly fun-loving and loveable, making them great companions for families.
They can be very active and energetic, so they need plenty of exercise and attention. If you don’t give them enough time to play and socialize, they will become bored and unhappy.
They also require regular grooming, as their short hair needs to be kept clean and brushed regularly. The coat should never be allowed to get too long as it can cause problems such as matting.
2. Shih Tzu
This tiny dog comes from China and has become very popular in recent years. They can be pretty stubborn at times, so they need to be trained well. However, once they get used to their owner, they will be loyal and loving companions.
They are known for being calm and friendly, and they are good with children as long as they are properly socialized and trained. They are also very smart and trainable, so they are great for beginners looking to start training their new puppy.
3. Pomeranian
This is another classic small dog breed. It originated in Germany and was originally bred as a toy for children. Nowadays, it’s becoming increasingly popular among adults too!
These dogs are highly intelligent and have an amazing sense of style.
They require lots of exercise and mental stimulation, so they do well when kept indoors. They also like to chew on things, so you should keep them away from hard objects such as wood furniture and other sharp items.
4. Maltese
These dogs were originally bred as herding dogs by monks in Malta. Today, they are considered to be some of the friendliest dogs on earth. They are also very smart and trainable, making them ideal for families.
They are very playful and affectionate, and they enjoy spending time outside. They also love to sleep next to their owners, so they’ll happily curl up right next to you while you watch TV. They are also very easy to care for, requiring only basic grooming.
5. Yorkshire Terrier
These dogs originate from England. They are known for being friendly, energetic, and playful. They are also very protective of their owners and can also be good guard dogs too.
They are very easy to care for and don’t require much grooming. They are also very healthy and rarely suffer from any health problems. They are also very loyal and loving, making them perfect for families.
6. Pug
The pug is a very popular companion dog. They were originally bred as hunting dogs back in the day, but now they are mostly kept as house pets.
Their personalities vary depending on how much time they spend outside. Some pugs are very independent, while others like to stay close to home.
The teacup pug is a smaller version of the standard pug. They are very gentle and sweet-natured, making them perfect for kids. They are also very active and love playing fetch or tug of war.
7. Papillon
The papillon is a small French dog breed. They were originally only bred as fancy show dogs, however, today, they are loved as companion animals, mainly due to their playful natures and high intelligence.
They are quite sensitive and will act differently based on where they live. For example, if they’re raised in a city area, they might be more aggressive than those who are raised in rural areas.
They are also very clean dogs that need minimal grooming. They are also extremely loyal and affectionate towards their owners.
8. Bichon Frise
This is a small, cuddly dog that originated from France. They are affectionate, lively, and very active. They love playing games and are often seen running around in packs.
They have a lot of energy and are great fun to play with. They are also very intelligent and make fantastic family members. They are also very clean and require little grooming.
9. Havanese
This is a small to medium-sized dog that originated from Cuba. They are very affectionate and playful dogs. They are also very easy to take care of and tend to live long lives.
They are very loyal to their owners and get along well with most people. However, they may not get along with loud noises or sudden movements. They are also very vocal and tend to bark at strangers passing by.
10. Miniature Schnauzer
This is a smaller version of the standard schnauzer. They are very friendly, playful, and loveable dogs. They are also known for being vocal, which makes them great for families with young kids.
They are happy to work and need little exercise. They are also very agile and fast, making them excellent athletes. They are also very smart and trainable, making them ideal for obedience classes.
11. Toy Fox Terrier
This is a very rare breed of terriers. They originated in North America. They are known for their unique appearance, bold personality and tenacity. They are also very smart and trainable.
They are very playful and love to run around and chase things. They are also very athletic and can easily keep up with other dogs when running. They are also good watchdogs and guard their homes well.
12. Jack Russell Terrier
This is a large, athletic dog originating from England. They are very friendly and make great family pets. They are also very agile and quick, making them perfect for agility training.
They are very energetic and love to play. They are also very protective and territorial, so it’s best to socialize them early on. They are also very trainable and make excellent therapy dogs.
13. Boston Terrier
This little dog is full of energy and is always up for something. They were originally bred for ratting, however today, they are most commonly found as companion dogs or as pets.
They are very loving and affectionate. They are also very playful and like to spend time with their owner. They are also very quiet and calm, making them an excellent choice for apartment living.
14. Pekingese
This is one of the smallest dog breeds. They have short legs, round ears, and stubby tails. They originated in China and were originally bred as companions.
They are extremely affectionate and gentle. They are also very obedient and do what you ask them to do without hesitation. They are also very active and will tire themselves out quickly if left alone for too long.
15. French Bulldog
This is another adorable little dog. The French bulldog originated in France and was first used as a pet by royalty. They are very sociable and love to be close to their owners.
They are also very intelligent and trainable. They are also very good-natured and make wonderful lapdogs since they are very affectionate and love to snuggle.
They are also very loyal and get along well with children. They are also very intelligent and trainable, making these dogs great for obedience classes.
16. Maltese Poodle
The Maltese poodle is one of the oldest breeds of dogs. They originated from Europe and were originally bred as hunting dogs.
Today they are mostly kept as pets and are very popular. They are very affectionate and love to be cuddled. They are also very easygoing and make wonderful house pets. They are also extremely intelligent and trainable, which makes them excellent therapy dogs.
Wrap Up
So, there you have it, over 15 different breeds of small dogs to consider giving a home to. But when deciding which breed to get, you should not look only at how cute they are, however tempting that might be.
But also consider how easy they are to look after, how much they like to play, how they do as a guard dog, and so on and so forth.
You also need to consider how you will exercise and groom them, how easy they are to train, how they will fit into the family, and if they will get on with your neighbors when they see them.
